Nova - About J.M. Mariscal - Mariscal Ceramics

José María Mariscal Paneque

La Bisbal d’Empordà | 17.03.1976

Porcelain, with its fine texture, purity and whiteness, allows me to explore relationships between form and surface in a way that is more rewarding than with any other clay. Wheel-thrown vessel forms offer infinite opportunities for subtle variations, but my particular concern, while attempting to achieve harmony and balance in the work, is to express my feelings for the natural world.

Skies, sea and landscapes, together with the multitude of flora, are a constant source of wonder, inspiration and delight to me. The sea and the universe, especially, have fascinated me since I was a child.

Crystalline glazes and creative process

I find the perfection of crystalline glazes with the perfect amount of crystals between the background and the surface. My forms are classic and conservative. I can’t stop researching crystalline glazes and I love to experiment with this technique in my gas kiln.

The shape and the crystals. The crystals and the shape… both are really important for me, and I like to work with my wheel for hours and hours, throwing and thinking about the final result once fired in my kiln.

Collaboration and community

With the help of my wife, I wrote some articles for Revista Cerámica and conducted workshops in places such as Dunedin, Tel Aviv, Pontevedra, the School of Ceramics of Manises (Spain), or throwing demos all over Europe (Aubagne, Gouda, Gmunden, Belgium…).

I also hosted the 1st Crystalline Congress in La Bisbal (Spain) in 2013. That congress was a wonderful opportunity to meet great potters from all over the world.